Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the beach, or somewhere in between, if it’s warm outside you are going to want some breezy, comfortable footwear. Do you have high arches? Are you looking for a cloud-like footbed? Do you need something ready to go from day one? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of Chaco vs. Teva and you can decide for yourself which brand will work better for your needs.
Chaco
Chacos are a popular footwear choice for adventure enthusiasts because they are snug, adjustable, durable, and waterproof. They were created by a river rafting guide in 1989 to fill a void he needed and desired. Clients eventually began to ask about his footwear and over time, the Chaco brand was formed. These sandals are known for being initially pricey and taking some time to break in; however, many customers rave about the comfort and durability.
Pros
Durability
It’s common for a pair of Chacos to last 10 years or more. They’re built to last. Chaco also has a “Rechaco” program where instead of buying a new pair and sending your old pair to a landfill, you can simply send them your shoes, let them know what needs repair (new soles, a new buckle, a new strap, etc.) and they’ll fix it for you. The goal is to make one pair of Chacos last a lifetime.
Customization
Chaco has several different types of sandals that you can completely customize. Anything from strap color or pattern, to tread, to stitching, to the footbed — you name it! They will even embroider your straps. Chaco offers a toe strap option which is very useful in situations where you don’t want your feet sliding forward out of your shoes. Customers enjoy a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns to choose from when selecting their sandals.
Arch Support
If your feet have mid to high arches, these might just be your new best friends. Every high arch-er knows the pain of wearing a shoe that doesn’t support your arches. And then there’s pain that lingers for hours after the shoe has been removed. You won’t have this problem with Chacos. While the classic footbed does initially feel a little hard, once broken in, the footbed will be custom-formed to your foot.
Cons
Break-In Time
If you need your shoes to be ready immediately, Chacos might not be your pick. They do require 2 weeks or so of consistent wear to break in. Some pain and blisters in the beginning are completely normal. When Chacos are fitted properly, they should feel snug. Your feet will need time to adjust to where the straps are sitting and rubbing against them.
Heavy
Chacos are a heavier adventure sandal. This can make a big difference when using them over a long distance. Heavier shoes require more energy from us. The heavier material, however, does contribute to the durability of the shoe so that is something to keep in mind.
Cost
While the quality is top-notch, Chaco is a pricier adventure sandal brand than Teva. If you compare the price of the Original Universal Teva with the Z/1 or the Z/2 Chaco, the Chaco will usually be more expensive.
Teva
Teva was also created by a river guide in 1984. He needed a pair of shoes that wouldn’t end up floating down the river. He used two velcro watch bands and strapped them to his flip-flops and voila! Teva was born. Tevas quickly became a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts around the world. Tevas are popular shoes for everyday comfort both because their footbeds are soft and because they do not require break-in. They work great in and out of the water and come in many styles and colors.
Pros
Everyday Comfort
A big pro for a lot of people is the fact that Tevas don’t require any time to break in. With their cloud-like footbeds, you can strap them on and enjoy them from the very beginning. This makes Tevas a popular choice for everyday casual use. Wear them to the beach, in the garden, to the grocery store, or around the house.
Lightweight
Teva sandals weigh noticeably less than Chaco sandals so if that’s important to you, Teva may be the better choice for your needs. As any backpacker can tell you, weight can make or break your adventure experience.
Sustainability
Teva has a similar program to Chaco’s “Rechaco” program. This one is called “TevaForever.” Instead of sending your shoes in to be repaired, TevaForever allows you to send in your old shoes to be recycled and made into new shoes. Even though you will still have to buy a new pair, you can rest easier knowing you didn’t send your old pair to another landfill. In addition, Teva makes all its polyester straps from 100% recycled plastic.
Cons
Longevity
Tevas weigh less and don’t require a break in time. This contributes to them being less durable. They won’t last as long as Chacos, but maybe you don’t care because you need something you can use right away.
No Toe-Strap Option
Teva does not offer a toe strap option which is a deal breaker for some. If you don’t want to find your foot sliding forward unexpectedly, you may prefer the toe straps that Chaco offers. They can be very useful in situations involving moisture or sharp rocks. However, a lot of people find toe straps uncomfortable or would prefer the option of wearing socks with their sandals so it depends on your own personal preference.
Arch Support
Tevas tend to work better for those with flat to normal feet. If you have high arches, you will likely be happier with a Chaco experience rather than a Teva experience. If you have flat feet, however, your feet might prefer the cloud-like footbed Teva offers.
Strap in for Your Next Adventure
So Chaco vs. Teva: Which one wins? It depends on your needs and preferences. Chaco gives a great combo of durability, arch support, and customization. Customers love the tread (even in the water), comfort, and stability these sandals give on uneven surfaces.
If you are looking for something lightweight that you can wear right out of the box, Teva might be your pick. Teva is easier on the wallet and customers also love how versatile they can be for casual everyday use.
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